Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I thank Deputy Halligan for his comments. The Taoiseach and I have already discussed the Palestinian issue and the Middle East peace process with President Obama. We discussed it with him when he was here in May. In EU-US bilateral discussions I have also discussed the issue with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. In addition, I have also spoken directly with the Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers about the issue.

A quartet statement was agreed during the United Nations General Assembly which sets down a timetable for negotiations. It is important that we support this timetable which sets certain deadlines. We are working through the EU Foreign Affairs Council and the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, will attend the Foreign Affairs Council's meeting on Monday where I expect the issue will be discussed. Again, we will support the efforts being made by the High Representative, Ms Catherine Ashton, in this regard.

In respect of the people of the MV Saoirse, I am deeply disappointed. Seven were to be flown home this morning and I am disappointed this did not happen. We worked to make alternative flight arrangements for them this afternoon but only five of them managed to board the plane. I understand the other two will return home tomorrow.

This morning, I may have indicated to Deputy Boyd Barrett that a certain question was not tabled but it was and I acknowledge this. I do not want to have misled the House on it.

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